Bob Masia

Age 85, life long resident of Pine City, NY went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, February 21st, 2007 at St. Joseph's Hospital, Elmira. Bob was born in Elmira, April 9th, 1921, the son of the late Pasquale and Lucy Martine Masia. Surviving him are his beloved daughters, Patricia A. Bruner and Linda (Robert) Smith all of Pine City, NY; his loving grandchildren, Sean (Yone) Bistoff, Paul (Stacy) Bistoff, Cara D. Smith, Luke M. Smith, Christine M. Smith, Laura E. Bruner; five great grandchildren, Savannah R. Smith, Antonio P. Caforio Smith, Ava L. E. Bistoff, Everett T. M. Bistoff, Malia C. E. Bistoff; nieces and nephews, whom Bob was very close to, include Patricia (Mike) Stephens, Peter (Maxine) Masia, William (Marilyn) Zinn, Albert (Linda) Zinn, Christopher (Nathalia) Zinn, Michael (Debi) Titus; very close cousins in Elmira and Watkins Glen, including Piero and Mafalda Masia; sister-in-law, Jane Titus; and a host of many close friends and colleagues. Bob dearly missed his loving wife who predeceased him, Elizabeth "Betty" Nell Masia; his son, Robert P. Masia and most recently, his grandson, MatthewM. Smith; brother, Peter Masia; sister and brother-in-law,Theresa A. Masia Zinn and William E. Zinn; nephew, Patrick Titus; sister-in-law, Philomenia Masia; brother-in-law, H. J. Titus. Family and friends are invited to call at the Olthof Funeral Home, Inc., 1050 Pennsylvania Avenue, Elmira, NY on Saturday, February 24th, 2007 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM and Sunday, February 25th from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 26that 11:00AM in St. Mary's Church, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira, NY with the Reverend Richard Farrell to celebrate the mass. Committal prayers will be shared following themassin the St. Peter and Pauls Cemetery, whereBob will belaid to rest next to his wife Betty and grandson Matthew. Everyone hascherished memories ofBob Masia. From the enormous hand shake withthe comforting smile, to his echoing voice through the restaurant or theSouthport Town Hall. Bob has always loved to be around people. At an early age he worked in his parents grocerystore "Masia's Grocery". After a nine-year stint working for Hardinge Brothers in 1946, he went to manage the Masia's Restaurant in Pine City, a business that was started by his parents in 1937. For38 years Bob managed the restaurant and made sure his patrons were well taken care of. In 1984 Bob entered into his long and prosperous political career. His community elected him into the Townof Southport Supervisor position. It was a seat he held withpride for20 years. Throughout histenure hewas able to accomplish many thingsto make his town and its residents what it is today. From the New York State Prison expansion and sewer projects, to the new arterial; these are only some of what he has established. Having the background of his membership in the Pine City Volunteer Fire Department and Chief for 11 years, 1955 to 1966,he wantedthe people ofSouthport to be protected as much as possible, soover theyearshe helped build three of the most advancedvolunteer fire stations in NewYork State. Through his dedication to the people ofSouthport, Bob has been awardedmany distinguishedcertificates of merit and accomplishment. He was proud to be alifetimecommunicant of St. Mary's Church,and was always ready to hunt, fish or chase the 18th on one of the areas golf courses. Bob Masia leavesa legacythat will continue to make the Town ofSouthport a safeplace to raise a family. He will never be forgotten and will be missed by all. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to the Pine City Volunteer Fire Department, 1453 Pennsylvania Ave., Pine City, NY, 14871 or to the St. Mary's Church Renovation Fund, 224 Franklin Street, Elmira, NY 14904 in Mr. Masias memory. A Candle of Remembrance may be left for the family in obituaries at www.olthof.com